The DICT Development Group

  Martin \Mar"tin\, n. [F. martin, from the proper name Martin.
     Cf. Martlet.] (Zool.)
     One of several species of swallows, usually having the tail
     less deeply forked than the tail of the common swallows.
     [Written also marten.]
     [1913 Webster]
  
     Note: The American purple martin, or bee martin ({Progne
           subis or Progne purpurea), and the European house
           martin, or window martin ({Hirundo urbica} or
           Chelidon urbica), are the best known species.
           [1913 Webster]
  
     Bank martin.
     (a) The bank swallow. See under Bank.
     (b) The fairy martin. See under Fairy.
  
     Bee martin.
     (a) The purple martin.
     (b) The kingbird.
  
     Sand martin, the bank swallow.
        [1913 Webster]

  house martin
      n 1: common small European martin that builds nests under the
           eaves of houses [syn: house martin, Delichon urbica]